The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has announced the appointment of its four incoming Vice Presidents following an election process. Professor Robin Paton, Professor Angus Watson, Professor Phil Turner, and Miss Anna Paisley will assume their roles as Vice Presidents at the College’s AGM on 14 November 2025.
Their appointments are in accordance with the planned implementation of RCSEd’s updated Governance Structure, set to take effect at the AGM. The incoming Vice Presidents will take over from Dr Clare McNaught and Professor Tim Graham, who have served in these positions since November 2022.
Alongside Dr Clare McNaught, who will step into the role of President at the AGM following her election, the Vice Presidents will support and implement her manifesto as she takes the reigns from incumbent President, Professor Rowan Parks.
Professor Robin Paton, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with an interest in Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, has served on the RCSEd Council since 2016 and as Honorary Secretary for the past three years. An Honorary Chair at the Medical and Dental School at the University of Lancashire, he received the King James IV Professorship in 2016 and Sir Walter Mercer medal in 2021. A Fellow of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers, he has contributed to FRCS (T&O) examination development for the past 20 years.
Professor Angus Watson, Clinical Chair of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen and honorary Consultant Surgeon at NHS Highland, joined RCSEd Council in 2018. He’s lead innovations like the Scottish Surgical Boot Camp and NHS Scotland Colon Capsule (ScotCap) programme. Chairing RCSEd’s Research Committee and the Global Care group, he also oversees the College’s Surgical Skills Competition.
Professor Phil Turner, a specialist knee surgeon, has held prominent roles in surgical education, including Programme Director, Head of the School of Surgery (HENW), and Chair of national curriculum and training committees. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Salford, where has led major orthopaedic programmes in Manchester. A past President of the British Orthopaedic Association (2019), he also served as RCSEd Trustee and Council Member, Chairing its Professional Standards Committee and Joint Surgical Fellowship Board.
Miss Anna Paisley is a Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. She was named Doctor of the Year in the 2010 Scottish Health Awards for her role in implementing NHS Lothian surgical safety standards. A Council member since 2015, she has contributed extensively to the College, chairing key groups like Patient Safety and Global Care, while representing RCSEd on the Steering Group of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcomes & Death (NCEPOD) and Centre for Peri-Operative Care (CPOC).
President of RCSEd, Professor Rowan Parks, said: “I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Robin Paton, Professor Angus Watson, Professor Phil Turner and Miss Anna Paisley on their election as Vice Presidents. Their proven leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing surgical excellence will undoubtedly strengthen the College’s mission.
“Under the leadership of Clare McNaught, I am confident they will collectively drive significant progress, champion advancement, and further strengthen the support we offer to our surgical community."
Current Vice President and President-Elect, Dr Clare McNaught, said: "Professor Robin Paton, Professor Angus Watson, Professor Phil Turner and Miss Anna Paisley have long demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership within the College, and I am thrilled to see them take on the roles of Vice Presidents.
“Their wealth of experience and dedication to the College’s mission will be invaluable to the Office Bearer team. I am looking forward to collaborating with them as we advance the College’s goals to make a lasting impact for our members and the wider surgical community."
